June 2, 2004

I had planned to hike 16 miles today, but ended up hiking 26.  I began my hike at 9:00 a.m. and it took me four hours to hike over Dragon's Tooth!  I got turned around somehow.  The rocks were very steep with bars built into the side of the mountain for climbing down.  I took my time and did a bit of climbing down the rocks on my butt.  I could not risk falling.  Bear and RadioFlyer were hours ahead.  So...when I finally did acclimate myself again and got past Dragon's Tooth without incident, I happily pressed on looking forward to a road where I knew I could hitch a short distance and get an ice cold drink.

As I approached VA State Route 624, I noticed some cars parked and then I saw RadioFlyer sitting in a chair.  Chairs don't exist on the A.T. and RadioFlyer was hours ahead.  When I approached, Bear said that they had ordered lunch.  Actually, "trail magic" was being served by section hikers named, Virginia Creeper, Water Boy, Two Sticks, and No Name.  Damn!  I was overjoyed!  I sat in a chair with a drink holder as I enjoyed three sodas, Cheetos, two grilled hot dogs complete with chili, onions, and mustard!  I had a delicious sugar cookie for dessert.  The foursome had taken a day off from their own hike to treat thru-hikers to their amazing feast.  Lunch was awesome!

I was preparing to press on when one of the foursome suggested to another, "We can take their packs to VA State Route 311."  My ears perked up.  I was going to get to hike without my pack for six miles!  That is an awesome treat!  My day was going great....six down, 10 to go, but six without my pack.  Somehow, once again, I got turned around on the trail and ended up going five miles in the wrong direction!  Lucky for me, I recognized a day hiker named Bob whom I had passed earlier.  Bob and I hiked together, this time, going northward again.  Bob is a private pilot from Dallas, TX and had graduated from S.M.U., where my daughter is a student.  I enjoyed his company on the trail.  I accepted a ride with Bob into Roanoke, VA and purchased three Diet Dews, a Gatorade and an ice cream sandwich.  When Bob drove me back to the trailhead, he offered me some advice.  "Ladybug, always keep the sun at your back."  Spoken like a true Texan!